Children in Need's Mr Fixit

Hosts Terry Wogan and Gaby Roslin: Back with Children in Need mascot Pudsey Bear

The BBC's Children in Need fundraising TV marathon kicks off on BBC One at 1900 on 17 November. BBC News Online's Rebecca Thomas talks to Nick Vaughan-Barratt - the man behind the seven-hour show.

After 21 years the BBC's Children in Need TV appeal shows no signs of flagging but executive producer Nick Vaughan-Barratt admits he has often considered throwing in the towel.

His show is a mammoth seven hours long and involves hundreds of stars and TV centre staff.

Added to that he has to think about link-ups with all the BBC regional stations and continuous liaison with the Children in Need charity.

I always say I am not going to do it again because it is just too hard, draining and stressful

Nick Vaughan-Barratt, Executive Producer

Vaughan-Barratt is in his third year at the helm of the TV show, which raises millions of pounds for disadvantaged and sick children around the UK.

Each time, he wonders why he lets himself in for such a difficult task.

"I always say I am not going to do it again because it is just too hard, draining and stressful," he confides.

"The first year, I was travelling into work on the morning of the show and started laughing hysterically - I couldn't believe I had taken on such a big job."

Contemporary

Vaughan-Barratt and his full-time core team of 12 in London generally start mulling over ideas for the show in February.

Pop group S Club 7 are donating proceeds from their new single

But the process of booking stars, commissioning sketches and dusting down sets begins in earnest at the end of August - sending the number of people involved soaring.

Vaughan-Barratt agrees that just over two months of preparation would seem to be cutting things a bit fine.

"The problem is that the programme needs to feel quite contemporary and reflect people's lives as they are now," he explains.

Appeal facts

Began Christmas Day 1927 on BBC radio

Moved to TV in 1980

First broadcast raised £1,143

Total to date £273m

Pudsey Bear named after Pudsey, Yorkshire, home of creator Joanna Ball

In 1999, almost 10m viewers watched the show

"Entertainment goes out of date very quickly. If I had started planning this year's show earlier, there would have been lots of things relating to Big Brother - but even that's out of date."

This year's line-up includes chart-topping pop ensemble S Club 7 - who are also donating proceeds from their new single Never Had A Dream Come True.

Also from the world of pop are Ronan Keating, All Saints, Billie, and Spice Girls Mel C and Mel B.

From factual broadcasting, superstar vet Trude Mostue reveals a talent for singing and newsreaders Fiona Bruce and Jeremy Vine dance the night away.

Terror

Overall, Vaughan-Barratt needed to fill around 100 slots of an average of five minutes, including the all-important charity films and donation appeals.

We make an absolute policy of doing everything live because we want to be able to react the mood on the night

Nick Vaughan-Barratt, Executive Producer

Looking at a blank canvas, he says, initially filled him with terror.

Just as scary was the thought that most of the show would be done live, with many of the stars performing in a way they have never done before.

"We make an absolute policy of doing everything live because we want to be able to react to the mood on the night," he stresses.

"The stars often suggest their own sketches, something they have always wanted to do like sing. But despite weeks of rehearsals and training, something will inevitably go wrong."

The adrenaline buzz is just one of the reasons Vaughan-Barratt keeps coming back for more.

Another is the freedom he is allowed as a programme-maker.

"I haven't told anyone else in the BBC outside the programme what we are planning. We are left alone to get on with it, which is almost unheard of," he laughs.

"And there is nothing better than taking over the whole TV station for a night."

Altruism

Ingrained in the minds of everyone involved is the charitable purpose of the show.

Billie is one of the stars giving her time

Most of the stars give their time willingly and freely. They chip in wherever needed and no one is top of the bill.

This altruistic atmosphere is ultimately what brings Vaughan-Barratt back for more each year.

"With other TV programmes, it is usually really hard to get stars to come on," he says.

"But with Children in Need, they are more than happy and often say it was the one of the best days of their life.

"In the end it all makes for the best and most compelling TV show I can produce - and if people are watching they will pick up the phone and give."